The daffodil is one of the most popular early bloomers. It reached Europe as early as the 18th century. Today, more than 2000 different types of daffodils are commercially available. How do the bulb plants actually survive the winter? Are daffodils hardy?
In a nutshell
- not all types of daffodil are hardy
- Mulch cover protects sensitive varieties
- non-hardy varieties spend the winter indoors
- all potted plants need protection against frost
- well-rooted onions survive the winter better
Daffodils safely overwinter
Below are 6 tips to help you get daffodils through the winter unscathed.
Identify non-hardy varieties
Most daffodils are hardy. After flowering, they retreat into the bulb, where they can easily survive the frost. However, two varieties are not hardy:
| Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla) | Angel's Tears Daffodils (Narcissus triandrus) |
|---|---|
| - very slim shape - about 40 centimeters growth height - yellow flowers - strongly scented - often also known as 'scented daffodils' | - late flowering - white or yellow flowers - several on a flower stalk - delicate fragrance |
Jonquil (left) and angel daffodil (right)Source (Jonquille): Averater, Narcissus jonquilla 002 GotBot 2016, Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 4.0
Mulch layer for sensitive varieties
Jonquils and angel tears daffodils must protect you from the cold in winter. One option is to cover the bed with a thick layer of bark mulch.
Varieties at risk of frost indoors
Alternatively, you can dig up the bulbs of the non-hardy daffodils and store them in a dark place, safely protected from frost.
manual
- Dig up the bulbs of jonquills and angel's tears daffodils after flowering. The best time is in June when the foliage has turned yellow.
- Clean the onions.
- Separate the onions from the mother onion.
- Place the daffodil bulbs in a wooden box or wire basket lined with paper.
- Put the onions in a cool, dark place.
- Plant the bulbs in a pot filled with potting soil in autumn.
- Place the bucket on a wooden or styrofoam board in a cool but frost-free place.
- Plant the daffodils in the garden in February.
Overwinter outside in a mild climate
In warm wine-growing regions, the more sensitive jonquils and angel's tears daffodils can also overwinter outdoors. If you want to be on the safe side, cover the bed with brushwood or mulch.
Tip: Dig up daffodils every three to four years after they bloom. Clean the onions from coarse dirt and dry them in an airy place. If they are planted in a new location in autumn, they will bloom in full splendor the following year. Daffodils that stay in one spot for too long will lose their willingness to flower.
Protect potted plants from frost
Daffodils are increasingly being cultivated in tubs. In this way, flower lovers who do not have a garden can also enjoy the early bloomers. Note that the soil in the bucket freezes quickly and the flower bulbs are not protected against the cold like in the bed. All daffodils in tub culture, including the hardy ones, need a frost-proof winter quarters!
manual
- Put the tubs in the basement or garage in winter.
- Cover the surface with bark mulch or wrap the tub in burlap.
- In February you can slowly get the plants used to the outside temperatures.
- At first, only put them outside during the day.
Notice: All types of daffodils are poisonous. Store the onions safely away from children!
Pay attention to the planting depth
Pay attention to the planting depth for all daffodils that overwinter outdoors. The bulbs need to be planted four inches deep in the ground to withstand low temperatures.
frequently asked Questions
When can faded daffodil shoots be removed?Most varieties flower between February and the end of April. Leave the shoots until they turn brown. Do not cut off the parts of the plant when the time is right, they can simply be plucked out. If the shoots are removed too early, this can lead to the plant dying.
How can new plants develop from the onion bulbs?Dig up the daffodil bulbs in late summer. Shake off the soil and separate the onions from the mother onion. As long as mother and daughter bulbs are still surrounded by a common skin, they must not be separated. You can plant hardy daffodils again after separating them. Above all, water the daughter bulbs well so that roots form quickly.
What should be considered when digging up the daffodil bulbs?Flower bulbs are often injured when digging up and can no longer be used. Use plant baskets. These make it easier to find and protect the bulbs from injury.